Rabbi Stephen Wise, Shaarei Beth El, Oakville, ON, Canada

It's hard to imagine a world without Debbie Friedman. From an early age I knew I loved the prayerful music from our songleaders at camp and religious school even before I knew the composer. As I aspired to become a leader in the Jewish world, her music has inspired both my own religious journey and my connection to prayer. Having seen her live in concert many times, I always come away from her shows with a new sense of awe. I love her albums, especially Live from Beth Carnegie, who would have thought! Though she has died, her music will live on forever in our camps, our shuls, our voices and in our prayers. Zichrona livracha.